Woman sues city of Hillview, police officers over allegation of unlawful arrest

HILLVIEW, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Bullitt County woman is suing the city of Hillview and some of its police officers over an allegation of an unlawful arrest.

Jennifer Smith claims a Hillview Police officer unlawfully entered her home and arrested her for what the officer called child neglect, and it was all caught on the officer's body camera.

The incident happened back in March and a lawsuit was filed on Wednesday. Smith says it all started when her 14-year-old son ran away from home. She called police, and the boy was found later that day, but he ran away again the next day.

Smith says her son returned home about an hour later, but she wanted police to come, because her son was acting belligerent.

According to the lawsuit, police spoke to the teen before arresting Smith on charges of criminal abuse and endangering the welfare of a minor.

Smith's attorney says the officer unlawfully arrested her on charges that didn't apply to the situation. He also says she wasn't advised of her rights.

Smith claims what happened gives her son the idea that his behavior doesn't come with consequences for himself.

"It teaches children that if you don't like what your parents are saying, you can run away and mom will go to jail, not you. You won't have to correct your behavior. So we're struggling with that. We're working with therapy," Smith said.

All of the charges against Smith were dropped.

The lawsuit accuses the Hillview officers of illegal search and seizure.

The lawsuit was filed with the Bullitt County Circuit Court and Smith's attorney says he anticipates it could go to federal court.